A diet of the mind

I am an experienced dieter. Not that kind though - I never had to worry about what I ate much — we’ll see how far that holds up into my 40s now. My experience includes: a strict diet of “Classical 89.1” on the radio in my room until after 8th grade, a 9 month media fast in the middle of my Senior year of high school, and most recently, exclusion of all sugary desserts and candies for the last 2 1/2 years. Being more exclusive - or purposeful about my thoughts seems to be more difficult though. Although it is the unobserved seedbed for my actions - it is unobserved by others, and perhaps to often myself also.  How much more effective and meaningful could my service be if my mind were constantly at work toward the aims I really care about? Some things have to work better than others though. What tools are there. A couple of things I intend to try were suggested by President Faust years ago. He said: "If not bridled, our thoughts can run wild. Our minds are a part of us that really require discipline and control. I believe reading the scriptures is the best washing machine for unclean or uncontrolled thoughts." He goes on to add, "For those who are eligible and worthy, the sanctity of the holy temple can lift our thoughts above the earthy" ("The Power of Self Mastery," Ensign, May 2000). Nephi's love for the scriptures leads him to constantly ponder them (2 Nephi 4:15). This week I will use the scriptures as reigns for my thoughts instead of just a place they go for my personal and family studies.